Dry Needling Certification — Level 1
The Dry Needling Certification Level 1 is an intensive, 16-hour hands-on course that equips licensed physical therapists with the foundational dry needling skills to safely and effectively treat myofascial pain and movement dysfunction. This course covers superficial muscles throughout the extremities and spine, and introduces the use of intramuscular stimulation (IMS) techniques and exercise prescription to re-enforce changes post-dry needling.
Highbar is an approved CE provider through APTA Massachusetts and this course is recognized for 16 contact hours across all New England states.
⏱ 16 Contact Hours
✅ APTA MA Approved
👥 PT Only
💰 $950
🔥 Limited Spots — Register Early
Course Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Format | In-person, 2-day weekend intensive |
| Duration | 16 contact hours (2 days) |
| CEU Approval | APTA Massachusetts — recognized in all New England states (RI, MA, CT, VT, NH, ME) |
| Location | Highbar Physical Therapy — RI & MA |
| Who Can Attend | Licensed PT |
| Prerequisite | Active PT license in good standing |
| Price | $950 | Level 2 available for continued certification |
What You’ll Learn
- Neurophysiological mechanisms of dry needling and intramuscular stimulation
- Trigger point identification and palpation across major muscle groups
- Safe needling technique for superficial and deep target muscles
- Segmental, regional, and systemic effects of dry needling
- Integration of dry needling with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise
- Clinical reasoning frameworks for patient selection and dosing
- Contraindications, precautions, and adverse event management
- Documentation and consent best practices
Muscle Regions Covered — Level 1
- Shoulder girdle: upper trapezius, rotator cuff
- Lumbar paraspinals
- Gluteals and piriformis
- Lower extremity: TFL, hamstrings, gastrocnemius/soleus
- Upper extremity muscle groups
Who Should Attend
- Licensed PTs looking to add dry needling to their clinical toolkit
- Orthopedic and sports rehab clinicians treating myofascial pain and movement dysfunction
- Clinicians in chronic pain practices seeking evidence-based neuromodulation options
- New grads who want to differentiate their skill set from day one
What Attendees Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Best dry needling course I’ve taken. The instructors know dry needling inside and out — they’re not just teaching technique, they’re teaching clinical reasoning. My patients noticed the difference immediately.”
Rachel P., DPT, OCS — Outpatient Ortho, Providence RI
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I left feeling confident and ready to needle my patients the next day. The small group format made all the difference.”
Dana F., DPT — Orthopedic Clinic, Cranston RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my employer likely to cover this?
Many outpatient orthopedic and sports rehab employers offer CEU stipends. We can provide a detailed receipt and course documentation for reimbursement requests.
Do I need a special license to perform dry needling in Rhode Island or Massachusetts?
Rhode Island and Massachusetts both permit licensed PTs to perform dry needling with appropriate training. Completion of this course satisfies the training requirement. Always verify your state board’s current requirements.
What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 covers foundational technique across major muscle groups in the extremities and spine. Level 2 builds on this by targeting more advanced, deeper spine and extremity muscle groups, as well as the use of advanced electrical stimulation techniques.
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable clothing you can move and be needled in (participants needle each other during lab practice), your PT license documentation, and a consent form we’ll send in advance.
What makes Highbar Dry Needling courses different?
Highbar Dry Needling Levels 1 and 2 is designed to give you confidence to perform this technique the very next day on your patients through a focus on how AND when to dry needle. In addition, we provide pre-work in advance of the course to ensure you feel ready, and we provide a workbook and lunch both days so you have everything you need to focus and get the most out of the course.
Brett Weinman –
I had a great experience taking the Highbar dry needling course! The instructors were very knowledgeable and taught me how to safely and effectively perform dry needling. I have already begun using what I learned in the clinic and have seen multiple patients make big leaps forward in their care after needling. Highly recommend!
Farrell O’Shaughnessy –
I had an excellent experience at Highbar’s Dry Needling Certification. Following the course, I feel much more confident completing dry needling on my patients. Overall, 10/10 class!!